Yossi Benayoun will miss Israel's Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia on 17 November, dealing England's hopes of reaching the finals a major blow.

England need Israel to at least draw in Tel Aviv if they are to stand a chance of finishing second in Group E and Benayoun is the Israelis' key player.

The Israel captain was injured in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Fulham.

And the midfielder has been ruled out for three weeks after a scan on Sunday revealed an adductor tear.

Benayoun, who had already cancelled his flight to join up with his international team-mates, was one of only two players in Israel's squad to play in the Premier League.

The other is Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim, while QPR striker Ben Sahar is also in the squad, which includes Argentine-born Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Roberto Colautti, who has recovered from injury.